• OLB Ryan Nece — Retired; last played in 2008 and did sideline reporting for the UFL on Versus.

• CB Brian Kelly — Retired, released by the Lions late in the 2008 season.

• CB Leigh Bodden — Released by the Patriots in October.

• S Kalvin Pearson — Out of football, released by the Lions in 2010.

• S Daniel Bullocks — Out of football, released by the Lions in 2010.

2011 Offensive starters

• QB Matthew Stafford — Just 23, he became the fourth player in league history to throw for 5,000 yards and set franchise records in passing touchdowns, completions and attempts.

• RB Kevin Smith — Was non-tendered as a restricted free agent this off-season, but re-signed after Mikel Leshoure and Jahvid Best landed on injured reserve.

• WR Calvin Johnson — Led the NFL in 1,681 yards receiving and set a Lions record with 16 touchdown catches. The only Lion selected for the Pro Bowl.

• WR Nate Burleson — Signed as a free agent in 2010, Burleson is third on the team with 73 catches and one of the locker-room leaders.

• WR Titus Young — Rookie second-round pick out of Boise State, Young missed most of training camp with a hamstring injury but has solidified the Lions' troublesome third receiver spot.

• TE Brandon Pettigrew — A first-round pick in 2009, Pettigrew broke his own team records for a tight end with 83 catches for 777 yards this year.

• LT Jeff Backus — A mainstay at left tackle since he was drafted in 2001, Backus will play his first playoff game on Saturday. He's a free agent after the season.

• LG Rob Sims — Has started every game the last two seasons after coming to the Lions in an off-season trade. One of two offensive players with playoff experience.

• C Dominic Raiola — Taken a round after Backus in the 2001 draft, Raiola is in his sixth season as captain and has started all but four games over the last 10 years.

• RG Stephen Peterman — Has started 32 straight games at right guard after dealing with injuries early in his career.

• RT Gosder Cherilus — A first-round pick in 2008, Cherilus started 15 games this season after having microfracture knee surgery last December.

2011 Defensive starters

• DE Kyle Vanden Bosch — Along with Burleson, one of the Lions key free-agent signings in 2010. Second on the team with eight sacks.

• DT Corey Williams — Rejuvenated his career after the Lions acquired him in a 2010 trade with the Browns. More productive the last two years than his four sacks would indicate.

• DT Ndamukong Suh — Saw his sack total fall from 10 to four after an All-Pro rookie campaign, but remains one of the NFL's most talented defensive linemen.

• DE Cliff Avril — A third-round pick in 2008, Avril led the Lions with 11 sacks and six forced fumbles. He's a priority to re-sign this off-season.

• LB Justin Durant — Signed as a free agent after the lockout, Durant tied for fourth on the team in tackles despite missing three games with a concussion.

• LB Stephen Tulloch — Led the Lions with 111 tackles and along with Avril is a candidate for the team's most valuable defensive player. Tulloch played on a one-year deal after signing as a free agent.

• LB DeAndre Levy — A third-round pick in Martin Mayhew's first draft, Levy moved to outside linebacker this year with the addition of Tulloch. Second on the team with 107 tackles.

• CB Chris Houston — Had a career-high five interceptions in his second season with the Lions. Originally acquired in a 2010 trade with the Falcons.

• CB Eric Wright — Starts at outside cornerback and typically covers slot receivers in nickel situations. Played on a one-year deal after signing as a free-agent in July.

• S Louis Delmas — Part of the same draft that produced Stafford and Pettigrew, Delmas is the leader of the secondary when he's healthy. Has missed five straight games with a knee injury.

• S Amari Spievey — Originally drafted as a cornerback, Spievey switched to safety early in his rookie season last year. He had three interceptions this season.